It has been one year since the Uvalde shooting

A year ago today, 19 children and 2 teachers were killed at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas.

Alexandria, Alithia, Amerie, Annabell, Eliahana, Eliana, Jacklyn, Jailah, Jayce, Jose, Layla, Makenna, Maite, Miranda, Nevaeh, Rojelio, Tess, Uziyah, Xavier, Eva, and Irma.

We say their names, and we join their families and loved ones in remembering them.

Alithia loved to draw, according to her father. Jailah loved dancing, according to her mother. Layla loved to run, according to her parents. Jose loved helping with his baby brother, according to his mother. Xavier had the best smile, according to his mother.

As we reflect on this horrific tragedy, our hearts break for those who knew and loved these 21 precious human beings, for those traumatized by the terror that ensued, and for a community that will never be the same.

We also know that remembering is not enough—we must continue to invest in organizations working towards a country free from gun violence.

We must continue to strive for a future where children, teachers, and all of us can go to school, the mall, the bank, the grocery store, and places of worship and feel assured that we will return home safely. 

To date, Together Rising has invested $733,382.00 to support victims and communities after mass shootings and to prevent future tragedies. Our team is working diligently to deploy another round of investments to trusted, boots-on-the-ground organizations focused on gun violence prevention. With your ongoing support, we hope to continue to invest in organizations focused on giving us the safe and peaceful communities that we all deserve.